Black Louisiana veterans from freed slaves who fought for the Union during the Civil War to modern heroes who served in the Iraq War will be honored with their first monument in Veterans Memorial Park on the State Capitol grounds.
Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards led a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday where the monument will stand to honor Louisiana’s 80,000 Black veterans.
“Though it has been a long time in coming, the day is finally here when we will pay tribute to the bravery and courage of the African American men and women who have honorably served and protected our state and nation,” Edwards said. “This monument recognizes the sacrifices their loved ones have made as well. I look forward to the day when we unveil this monument and encourage everyone to learn about the great contributions of these and all of our American military heroes.”
Democratic Lafayette Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, who is Black, set the stage for the tribute through his Act 432 passed by the Legislature and signed by Edwards in 2021.
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